Yes, it is absolutely possible to have a traditional funeral with cremation. A traditional funeral typically involves several common elements, such as a visitation or wake, a religious or secular ceremony, a procession, and a committal service. These elements can all be incorporated into a funeral that culminates in cremation rather than burial.
Here's how a traditional funeral with cremation might be structured:
Visitation or Wake: Friends and family gather to pay their respects to the deceased. The body of the deceased may be present in a casket for viewing. This is an opportunity for loved ones to say their goodbyes, offer condolences, and share memories.
Funeral Service: A formal funeral service can be held in a place of worship, funeral home, or another suitable location. This service may include religious or secular rituals, readings, eulogies, and music. It provides an opportunity for people to come together and remember the life of the deceased.
Procession: Following the funeral service, a procession may be organized to accompany the deceased to the crematorium. The procession can include family members, friends, and even a hearse carrying the casket.
Cremation: At the crematorium, the casket containing the deceased is placed in the cremation chamber. After the cremation process is completed, the remains are typically reduced to ashes and bone fragments, known as cremated remains or cremains.
Committal Service: A committal service can take place at the crematorium or at a later date. During this service, the cremated remains may be placed in an urn or another container, and final prayers, readings, or rituals may be conducted. Family and friends may also have the option to witness the placement of the urn in a niche, columbarium, or burial plot, similar to a traditional burial.
Memorial Service: Some families choose to hold a separate memorial service or celebration of life at a later time and location. This can be a less formal gathering where attendees share stories, memories, and reflections on the deceased.
It's important to note that the choice between burial and cremation is a personal one, and there are various reasons people opt for cremation, including cost considerations, environmental concerns, or personal preferences. The key is that the funeral or memorial service can be tailored to meet the wishes and beliefs of the deceased and their family, whether that involves burial or cremation. Funeral directors and service providers are typically experienced in accommodating these preferences and can help plan and arrange the desired services accordingly.